Katanyan, a prominent figure of Armenian descent, embarked upon the formative years of his life within the erstwhile city of Tiflis, a metropolis that has since undergone a rebranding, its name transformed to the current Tbilisi.
Katanyan is a renowned director, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the realm of cinematography, with a particular emphasis on his groundbreaking work on the pioneering Soviet panoramic film, "Spring Road", which made its inaugural debut in the year 1959.
Katanyan's paternal heritage is a topic of great significance, and as such, it is essential to acknowledge the crucial role played by his father, Vasily Abgarovich Katanyan, in shaping his lineage.